Is showmd free to use?

Yes, showmd is completely free and open source, available for download from its website.

Does showmd require an internet connection to work?

No, it is a native macOS Quick Look extension and operates entirely offline once installed.

What types of Markdown elements does showmd support?

It supports standard Markdown syntax along with enhanced features like YAML frontmatter and specialized tags such as Agentic AI XML tags.

How do I install showmd on macOS?

Install it as a Quick Look extension by downloading from the official URL and following the setup instructions for macOS.

showmd

Markdown was never meant to be previewed plain text

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What is showmd

showmd is a free, native macOS Quick Look extension that renders Markdown files with enhanced visual styling, addressing the limitation of plain text previews in macOS Preview. It uniquely parses YAML frontmatter into a collapsible metadata table and renders Agentic AI XML tags as labeled, bordered blocks, providing a superior viewing experience for developers and content creators.

Key Features

Renders Markdown beautifully within macOS Quick Look

Parses YAML frontmatter into a collapsible metadata table

Renders Agentic AI XML tags and 17 other tags as labeled, bordered blocks

Free and open source with native macOS integration

Use Cases

Developers previewing README.md or documentation files in GitHub repositories
Technical writers and content creators viewing and editing Markdown files with metadata
Project managers reviewing SKILL.md files or other markdown-based project specifications
Indie hackers and startups presenting project documentation in a visually appealing way

Why do startups need this tool?

Startups frequently use Markdown for documentation, README files, and project planning to streamline collaboration. showmd enhances the readability and presentation of these files, improving team productivity and making project specs more professional. Its free, open-source model aligns with the budget constraints of early-stage companies.